How is the date/time formatted in a STARS report?

The correct format for date/time in a STARS report is MM-DD-YYYY. This formatting style is commonly used in the United States and ensures clarity by listing the month first, followed by the day, and finally the year. This order helps prevent confusion that may arise from international variations in date formatting, especially between MM-DD-YYYY and DD-MM-YYYY formats. Using MM-DD-YYYY in a STARS report also aligns with other standard reporting formats and systems utilized within law enforcement and criminal justice documentation in the United States.

In contrast, formats such as YYYY-MM-DD are more frequently seen in systems adhering to ISO standards and may be used in international contexts. Meanwhile, DD-MM-YYYY is primarily used in parts of Europe and other regions, which could lead to misinterpretation when used within the context of Missouri's reporting. Lastly, MM/DD/YYYY involves slashes instead of dashes, which does not conform to the required formatting for STARS reports. Thus, the use of MM-DD-YYYY provides a uniform structure that aids in consistency and improves the clarity of reports.